The Times of India

In a recent statement, Dipendra Singh Huda, a prominent Congress leader, raised alarms for farmers in Bihar regarding an impending US trade agreement. He fears this deal might jeopardize their livelihoods, particularly in maize and fruit farming.

Opposition's bid to remove the Speaker failed, exposing internal rifts as pragmatic voices pushed for legislative business. The government emerged stronger, refusing Congress's demands, while regional parties' desire for discussions on their concerns helped end the impasse. The Speaker stepped aside until the notice is addressed.

India's unemployment rate for those 15 and above in rural areas dropped to 4% in Oct-Dec 2025, down from 4.4% in the previous quarter. The overall Labour Force Participation Rate also saw a marginal increase to 55.8%, with female participation rising to 34.9%.

The Supreme Court has urged Madhya Pradesh's advocate general to ensure representation of marginalized communities and women as government lawyers. Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh highlighted the lack of ST advocates and low representation of SCs and OBCs, questioning how these communities can emerge without opportunity.

Responding to Supreme Court's push, the Centre will establish at least one special court in 17 states for NIA terror cases. Each state will receive 1 crore for costs, with existing courts to be designated for these trials. This move aims to expedite justice for serious crimes, preventing prolonged detentions due to overloaded dockets.

Niti Aayog has proposed a roadmap for India's transport sector to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. The strategy involves phasing out diesel vehicles and promoting cleaner technologies like CNG, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Stricter Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms will also be implemented to support this transition.

The Supreme Court has halted Assam's anti-encroachment drive in reserved forests, emphasizing that environmental protection and rule of law must coexist. Alleged encroachers will now have a chance to submit documents, and action will only be taken after a thorough review and a formal notice to vacate.

The ED has issued fresh summonses to Anil Ambani and his wife Tina for questioning next week in connection with an alleged Rs 40,000 crore money laundering probe. The agency has already attached Rs 12,000 crore worth of assets. Tina Ambani's questioning is related to the purchase of a Manhattan apartment using alleged proceeds of crime.

Rahul Gandhi continues to cite Gen M M Naravane's memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny', despite publisher Penguin India stating it remains unpublished. Gandhi insists Naravane's own social media post confirms its availability, challenging Penguin's claim and suggesting a contradiction. The publisher maintains pre-orders do not constitute publication and warns of legal action against unauthorized circulation.

A brutal killing of a Meitei man visiting his Kuki fiance in Churachandpur has shattered the fragile peace for inter-ethnic couples in Manipur. The incident, captured on video, has reignited fear and deepened the divide, forcing many couples into renewed separation and uncertainty. Hopes for reconciliation are now stalled.

CPM and CPI have filed petitions in the Supreme Court seeking FIRs and an SIT probe against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. The petitions cite alleged hate speeches and a recent video showing Sarma firing at an image of Muslim men, with accompanying phrases like 'no mercy'.

The U.S. Department of Education has issued new guidance urging states and school districts to make flexible use of federal Title II funding to strengthen the teacher workforce. The guidance highlights strategic staffing models that move beyond the traditional one-teacher classroom, promote team-based instruction and create leadership pathways for educators. Officials say the approach can improve student outcomes, support novice teachers and help address long-term workforce challenges.

India has significantly tightened digital rules to combat deepfakes, mandating clear labelling and traceability for AI-generated content. Social media platforms now face stricter compliance, with reduced timelines for takedown of unlawful material and direct responsibility placed on senior officers. These new regulations aim to enhance user safety and accountability in the digital space.

Chief Justice Surya Kant criticized the Supreme Court's gender stereotype handbook as overly technical and inaccessible to common people and rape survivors. He emphasized the need for practical training for High Court judges on handling sexual assault cases. The bench set aside an insensitive Allahabad High Court ruling on an attempted rape case.

Opposition parties, excluding TMC, have submitted a notice to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of latant partisanship. The move follows repeated denials of permission for Rahul Gandhi to speak, escalating tensions. Birla will abstain from proceedings until the resolution is addressed, likely on March 9.

The education department spent nearly $4m on more than 8,000 work-related trips but failed to provide lawmakers with complete records for the third consecutive year. Travel reports reviewed by the Associated Press showed major gaps, including missing job titles, travel purposes and funding sources. Lawmakers said the lack of detail hampers oversight as budgets tighten and has prompted proposals to curb state-funded travel and strengthen reporting requirements.

Butler University's new online master's in Deaf education, funded by a federal grant, focuses on developing speaking and listening skills in deaf children with hearing technology. However, the program's limited ASL component has raised concerns among Indiana's Deaf community, who fear it could hinder access to sign language and repeat historical educational mistakes.

In many cultures, houseplants are treated as more than decorative items. These are believed to attract luck, and prosperity. Among these, succulents hold a special place in both Vastu and Feng Shui.

From golden roses to wine workshops, the Love All Members Fest is turning February into a season of daily surprises

Falling in love is a special feeling, but rushing into commitment without knowing your potential partner well can soon lead to a heartbreak that you never saw coming. And so, spotting red flags early on in a relationship can help save your time, emotional energy and create healthy bonds with the right people.

School security cameras, intended for student safety, are reportedly aiding federal immigration enforcement in Texas. License plate reader data from schools is being accessed by police departments for immigration-related cases, raising privacy and constitutional concerns among educators and advocates. This practice highlights a broader debate on the use of surveillance technology in educational settings.

Harvard faculty are cautiously backing a plan to limit A grades to 20% per course and introduce internal rankings, aiming to curb grade inflation. While supporters believe it addresses a systemic issue and protects grading autonomy, critics worry about narrowed definitions of distinction and increased student competition. The proposal heads for a faculty vote soon.

An American mother in Denmark finds parenting less stressful, attributing it to societal trust, child-centric design, and accessible childcare. Danish systems encourage early independence, with parents trusting caregivers and public spaces designed for families. This collective approach, unlike US helicopter parenting, fosters a sense of shared responsibility and support, making raising children feel calmer and less isolating.

Railway Recruitment Boards have released the City Intimation Slip for Junior Engineer, Depot Material Supervisor, and Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant recruitment under CEN 05/2025. This slip informs candidates about their exam city, tentative date, and shift for CBT-1, scheduled from February 19 to March 3, 2026. Candidates are advised to download and check their slip immediately for travel planning.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, the Election Commission said the decision was taken in compliance with the Supreme Courts February 9 order. Earlier, the final voters list was scheduled to be published on February 14, with elections to follow after completion of the exercise.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will not begin the Union Budget debate today. He cited concerns over potential disruptions from the treasury benches. Gandhi is now expected to speak on Wednesday. The decision follows a notice by opposition parties to remove the Lok Sabha Speaker. Shashi Tharoor initiated the debate. Several opposition members have been suspended this session.

Empathy is crucial in mediation, enabling mediators to understand and respond compassionately to parties in conflict. Case studies demonstrate how empathetic listening and validation of emotions can lead to reconciliation in divorce proceedings and resolution of long-standing matrimonial litigation, highlighting mediation's transformative power in family matters.

India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, has launched, empowering drivers with ownership and profit-sharing. Operating on a zero-commission model, it offers social security benefits and aims for a nationwide rollout by 2029, fostering a cooperative-driven mobility ecosystem.

In a heartfelt discussion, Ranbir Kapoor expressed his wish to mend the emotional disconnect he felt with his father. He aims to cultivate a nurturing and open relationship with his daughter, believing that dismantling unseen walls is essential. Kapoor advocates for a friendship based on mutual respect, allowing children the freedom to chart their own adventures.

A recent travel account offers a nuanced view of Afghanistan, moving beyond extreme online portrayals. The traveler details a 13-day journey through cities and valleys, encountering checkpoints and extensive paperwork. While the country is beautiful, the people face significant suffering. The experience underscores the complicated realities of life and travel in Taliban-controlled regions.

IIT Gandhinagar is inviting applications for its Summer Research Internship Programme 2026. Students can work on real research projects with IITGN faculty. The programme runs from May 7 to July 16, 2026. Interns receive a weekly stipend of 2,000. Top performers may win a 50,000 award. Applications are open until March 5, 2026.

A five-year-old girl, Inika, was denied a swing at a park due to her perceived disability, causing her distress. Inika, a survivor of severe brain injury, defied doctors' grim prognoses through her parents' unwavering dedication and therapy. Her experience highlights societal inclusivity challenges for children with differences.

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board is recruiting for 10,644 Clerk Grade II and Junior Assistant positions. Eligible candidates who have passed Class 12 and possess basic computer knowledge can apply online until February 13, 2026. This significant recruitment drive offers a prime opportunity for young aspirants seeking government employment in Rajasthan.

Nick Jonas shared that entering fatherhood has dramatically influenced both his musical journey and personal life. He speaks to the depth of empathy, cultural understanding, and spiritual growth that comes with nurturing his daughter alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Valuing her privacy, he ensures that her formative years remain free from public scrutiny.

The GATE 2026 CS answer key and response sheets are expected soon on the official GATE website. Candidates can download these to estimate their scores by matching their marked answers against the official key. An objection window will be opened for candidates to challenge any discrepancies before the final answer key and results are released.

As startups become a first-choice career option for young professionals, IIT Delhi has played a pivotal role in shaping this shift through decades of alumni entrepreneurship. From early ventures in the 1980s to todays global unicorns, alumni-founded startups span fintech, technology, healthcare and commerce, creating large-scale employment and value. With over 2,600 startups and a strong give-back culture, IIT Delhi continues to influence how youth view ambition, risk and career building.